The Advantages of Herbal Medicine
Despite the widespread popularity of Western medicine, an increasing number of individuals are turning to herbal medicine as a means of addressing various health issues. Herbal medicine, with its millennia-old history, offers numerous advantages over conventional medications.
In this post, we will explore these advantages to help you make an informed decision about your health.
Herbal Medicine Is Often More Effective Than Conventional Medicine
There are several reasons why herbal medicine is often more effective than conventional medications. For instance, antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, leaving viral infections like the flu unaffected. Furthermore, the orderly molecular structure of lab-made pharmaceuticals makes it easier for bacteria to develop resistance over time.
In contrast, herbal medicines, derived from plants, lack this uniform molecular structure, making it challenging for bacteria to evolve resistance. Many herbs have proven effective against a wide range of bacteria for centuries. Additionally, herbs often work by enhancing the immune system’s capabilities, enabling the body to combat bacteria, viruses, or fungi effectively.
Herbal Medicine Addresses the Root Causes of Illness
Conventional medicine frequently concentrates on alleviating the symptoms of an ailment rather than addressing its underlying cause. For example, if you have a rash, you might receive a cream to alleviate itching, but the rash itself remains a symptom of a deeper issue, unbeknownst to the patient.
Herbal medicine, on the other hand, centers its approach on identifying and treating the root cause of an illness. In Thai traditional medicine, for instance, a rash might be linked to toxins in the blood and lymphatic fluid. Potential culprits include dietary choices, insufficient hydration, sleep deprivation, exposure to chemicals, or even constipation. Once the root cause is determined, a Thai traditional doctor or pharmacist will prescribe a combination of herbal medicines to detoxify the blood and lymphatic fluid while also addressing the lifestyle factors that contributed to the toxin buildup.
Herbal Medicine May Have Fewer Side Effects Than Prescription Drugs
When used as directed, herbal medicines typically produce minimal side effects. Herbal medicine formulations consist of a variety of herbs, with primary herbs targeting the primary issue and secondary herbs addressing related problems. Additional herbs are included to enhance the formulation’s aroma and taste.
Unlike individual herbs, which may exhibit a range of side effects, herbal medicine is less likely to cause adverse reactions because the herbs are carefully combined to mitigate potential side effects. For example, in Thai traditional medicines containing cannabis, black pepper is frequently added to enhance and prolong therapeutic effects while reducing side effects.
According to Thai medicine, a single herb can be taken for up to seven consecutive days, while an herbal formula can be used for up to three months before a break is recommended.
Closing Thoughts
Herbal medicine offers numerous advantages when compared to conventional medications. It is often more effective, capable of addressing the root causes of illnesses, and tends to have fewer side effects.
In the ongoing battle between humans and harmful microorganisms, natural medicines can help strengthen your immune system and combat dangerous bacteria and viruses without harming the beneficial microorganisms in your body.